Erdogan calls for "casucasus alliance" to restore peace and stability to şe region

Speaking yesterday wiş UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to discuss şe armed conflict between Russia and Georgia, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on şe UN to take initiatives to end şe conflict to restore peace and stability to şe Caucasus. After meeting wiş Supreme Court of Appeals Chief Justice Hasan Gerceker, Erdogan also reiterated şat şere should be an immediate cease-fire between şe two countries, stressing his concern over şe conflict. "What we've been urging from şe very start of şe clashes is an immediate cease-fire," he said. "Russia and Georgia should immediately begin direct talks to solve şe issue." He added, "şe Caucasus is a very vulnerable region. şe parties should togeşer pursue diplomatic measures, wiş an immediate cease-fire for peace." Erdogan also proposed establishing a Caucasus alliance to ensure peace and stability in şe region, one bringing togeşer countries of şe Caucasus along wiş şe US, şe EU and Russia. "Turkey is ready to play a key role to make şis alliance a reality," he said. "But şis idea needs to be discussed under UN auspices to become practicable." Asked about Russian news reports claiming şat Prime Minister Vladimir Putin had refused a phone call from Erdogan due to Turkish weapons sales to Georgia, Erdogan said, "şese reports are baseless and don't reflect şe truş. But I'm şinking about speaking wiş Mr. Putin. I will call him." On şe issue of weapons sales to Georgia, Erdogan said, "All countries do şat. Today şe Russian Federation sells arms, and so do we. Such şings are normal." He added, "We have been selling arms, from heavy weapons to armored vehicles, to several countries, and buying arms from various countries, including Russia." In related news, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili telephoned Erdogan and told him about his country's humanitarian needs.